Friday, August 14, 2015

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students {a review & giveaway} #flyby



I was super excited to review the Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) with both my 9th and 11th grade kids at home AND with my middle school students at church.  I've been looking for a new Bible to use as our ministry Bible and was thrilled to have the opportunity to see this one up close and personal.  Having spent a few weeks searching through it and reading through its pages, I have to tell you, I really like this Bible.

I know that it is super important for students to own Scripture for themselves and I have spent a good deal of time making sure that my children know what they know and understand how to search out GOD's Word for answers to all of life's questions.  In Middle School Ministry, we work to help anchor the 6th - 8th graders in scriptural truth and make it our goal to help them form thoughtful and practical responses for times in life that their faith may be challenged.  It is my heartfelt desire that students understand WHOSE they are and that they know how to share their beliefs with others.  I pray that they will have a Confident Faith to see them through life.

One of my favorite things about this Apologetics Study Bible are the many features found in it.  The color-coded tabs (black for Old Testament, Red for New Testament) make it easy for students to find Scripture.  I LOVE that.


The Plan of Salvation is presented at the front of the Bible and it is perfect for sharing the love of JESUS with others.  It is not the traditional Roman Road, but presents an easily understood response to GOD.



Other Features included in the Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB are 
- Book Introductions for each of the sixty-six books of the Bible (Matthew is pictured below)
- Study Notes found at the bottom of each page that provide evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture.  These notes explain nuances in Scripture in language that students can understand.
- 120 Articles written by today's leading Christian thinkers deal with life's ultimate questions.  The good, the bad, and the ugly are all addressed and leave students with a clear understanding of exactly what the Bible has to say about hot topics of the day.

Quotes and Personal Stories are found throughout the Bible that offer a personal touch for the reader.  These are good for students as they present an inviting conversational tone that removes some of the intimidation felt when reading the Bible.  This is a translation that students can own.


Two of my very favorite features are the Twisted Scripture and the Bones & Dirt sections of the Bible.  Twisted Scripture takes specific verses throughout the Bible and explains how they are often misinterpreted (twisted around) by people and religious groups.  Bones & Dirt shows actual photos of history and offers evidence to support Biblical truths.


All of these features help make this a Bible that is relevant and real.  Students are able to dig deep into GOD's Word and find straight answers to their questions.  As a result, they develop a strong, confident faith.


As an added bonus, the gift of Confident Faith is being celebrated this summer with 16 energetic teaching videos featuring Sean McDowell.  These Bible studies and articles are FREE resources that serve to inspire, educate, and train up the next generation of Christian leaders.  These short videos (less than 4 minutes) are invaluable.  They are energetic and fun to watch and offer students the chance to find answers to questions about their faith.  

The hardcover Bible is sturdy and inviting.  It draws the reader in with clear graphics and easy-to-read print.  The pages are thick enough so that notes and highlights do not bleed through.  It beckons students to step closer and be involved.

In addition to all of that, a Confident Faith Sweepstakes is offering a chance to win Bibles, free mini libraries of B&H's best apologetics resources, and even a trip for two to the National Conference on Christian Apologetics (NCCA) being held October 16-17, 2015 in Charlotte, NC where some of the world's leading thinkers will offer insights and teaching.   Make sure to enter for your very own chance to win.


You can find out more about the Apologetics Study Bible for Students and Confident Faith by visiting the following SOCIAL MEDIA sites:



This is a wonderful Bible for students and adults alike.  I am so glad we've had the chance to study it and look forward to many years of using it for family study.



 Enter to win a copy of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.



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11 comments:

  1. I think of KJV as my heart language as that is the version I memorized as a child and that comes to mind as I recall Scriptures. I like reading the NIrV aloud, and I like comparing several versions as I study God's Word. The Message and the Living Bible both provide insights paired with others that I sometimes find harder to understand.

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  2. For the last couple of years I have preferred the English Standard Version, but like Jennifer, I often compare other translations to help clarify when I am studying.

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  3. I use the NIV most often because it is a study Bible and it has all the notes I have taken for the past 20 something years. I do, however, keep a way to look up scripture in the ASV, ESV, and/or NKJ close at hand when I am studying. Multiple versions are necessary when struggling with completely understanding a passage.

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  4. I prefer to read the NLT. But I also use NIV and ESV seeing as they're more commonly used at my church.

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  5. I usually use the NIV but am also interested in the ESV as well.

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  6. i have 4 bibles one is the athletes bible in niv in my locker at the gym, i have my kjv in the truck for waiting times,my asv is beside the bed and i have a huge family bible on the mantle.

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  7. I normally use the NIV Bible but grew up with and love the KJV! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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  8. I use the NIV Bible because that is what we have at home.

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  9. I read to my children from versions of the Bible specifically geared towards children. We have several different ones.

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  10. Usually I use the KJV.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your heart with me!